adidas partners with Kathrine Switzer and 261 Fearless, to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of her iconic Boston Marathon debut

Hey Friends! What great news today, as adidas has announced a partnership with me and with 261 Fearless! They’re with me all the way for Boston 2017 and beyond. Their global reach is impressive and together we will tell a lot of wonderful stories about women’s accomplishments and create a lot of women’s opportunities. As for me, adidas shoes have been on my feet for all my significant races and biggest victories. They were on my feet in Boston, 1967 and will be on my feet again next Monday, 50 years later! THANK YOU ADIDAS!! Cheers, Kathrine

adidas will support Kathrine Switzer as she runs the Boston Marathon to champion fearless, female runners

adidas partners with Kathrine Switzer and the 261 Fearless community ahead of this year’s Boston Marathon. Switzer was the first female athlete to run the course as a registered number in 1967, sparking controversy before going on to become a social advocate and campaigner for women’s rights. To celebrate 50 years since the memorable race, Switzer will take to the course wearing the latest SS17 adidas Supernova shoe, accompanied by 125 charity runners from 261 Fearless.

As part of this dedication to help other female runners achieve their goals, Switzer founded 261 Fearless, an international non-profit organisation. This 261 Fearless community unites and empowers women globally through running clubs, educational opportunities and events. Throughout the two year partnership, adidas will supply running equipment and expertise to 261 Fearless, designed to power the community to break new ground in running.

“Kathrine is a pioneer, and an absolute inspiration to women everywhere. Both Kathrine and 261 Fearless share the same bold, positively disruptive attitude and ambition as the adidas athlete and for us, there’s no better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her iconic debut,” said Caio Amato, Senior Director Sports Marketing, adidas Running.

Follow adidas Running on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more information. Join the conversation using #WHYIRUNBOSTON @adidasrunning.

Kathrine Switzer with a mile to go in the difficult Motatapu Off-Road Marathon, in the South Island of New Zealand. 2010.

Who is Kathrine Switzer?

Iconic athlete, sports and social advocate, author, and Emmy award-winning television commentator, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon. She has been honored widely for her achievements, most recently being inducted into the USA National Women’s Hall of Fame for creating positive social change. The ramifications of this work is both joyful and profound, changing forever the face of sports, health, and opportunities for women around the world and fearlessly empowering millions beyond the finish line, especially through the non-profit “261® Fearless, Inc.”